These signs indicate that your dog is
interested in something, or trying to decide on a course of action and is not
receptive to attention (such as petting from a child) and include:

ears forward

mouth closed

eyes intense

body rolled forward

body tense

tail high (may or may not be wagging)

slow deliberate tail wag

This is the type of posture we see in a dog who wants to chase a squirrel, confront an intruder or is getting ready to chase a ball. He is intensely focused and ready for action. He does not want to be hugged or petted at this time. Teach children to leave a dog, who is tense and focused like this, alone.